Case Studies - Leaving School

‘All the boys in my form want to leave school and become plumbers so they can earn lots of money, while the girls want to be famous or qualify as hairdressers. Their parents didn't stay on so why should they? We are an 11-16 school so there is no sixth form. They don't want to stay on to study academic subjects. Where can I go for correct information about qualifications and progression that might convince them to consider other options?’

Y9 Form teacher in West Midlands

Advice

Young people often choose a career which is safe, the one they know about, or what their family or friends do. The jobs mentioned above involve a lot of ‘hands-on’ practical work and many STEM careers are practical. They do not have to stay on at school and be ‘academic’ if they follow a technician-level STEM career. College and an apprenticeship, which is practical in nature, may be more appealing.

Following a vocational route can also lead to higher education through foundation degrees, and young people going down this route can often be at an advantage as they have practical experience rather than coming directly from school. Alerting them to different careers, challenging them with regard to why they want to do something and showing them what is involved in different careers with regard to pay and future prospects might all help them see a wider employment world .

You could arrange talks or industrial visits with STEM employers. Expose girls to role models in STEM careers. Involve parents; they may be worried about money if their children stay on so ensure that you are up to date with 16-19 education bursaries. Contact the Education Department in your local authority . You could highlight gender stereotyping and the pay gap using an exercise such as the 'Activity to accompany WiSET Posters' which is in the resources section of this website (order the posters using the WiSET website link below).